This barber's bowl was made in the kilns of Jingdezhen in southern China in about 1720-1740, at a time when large quantities of mass-produced porcelain were shipped to the European markets by state companies and private merchants. By this time, the potters in Jingdezhen already mastered the use of pink enamel, which had been introduced in the colour palette for decorating porcelain, glass and metals a decade earlier. Due to the predominance of pink, this kind of porcelain was called famille rose by European collectors of the mid 1800s.
The shape of this barber's bowl imitates a European model made of metal or wood, and it was specially commissioned by European clients. The decoration in polychrome enamels, on the other hand, combines traditional Chinese motifs. In the centre, two gentlemen sit on a mat outdoors playing weiqi, a game using black and white counters on a squared board; on the rim, a band of flowers over a ground of prunus blossoms represents a popular decorative patterns of the time.
Physical description
Porcelain barber’s bowl with an oval shape similar to European models in metal or wood, with sides curving upwards and a horizontal broad rim with round lip; a semi-circular indentation is in one of the long sides. The surface is painted in overglaze polychrome enamels of the famille rose type: in the centre two men playing a board game outdoors with an attendant carrying a large jar under a plum tree to the right; to the left vases, books, scrolls and a fly-whisk. On the rim large peonies and chrysanthemums over a dotted ground interspersed by prunus blossoms.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
ca. 1720-1740 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels
Dimensions
Width: 31 cm
Descriptive line
Porcelain barber's bowl decorated in overglaze enamels of the famille rose type with gentlemen playing weiqi, China, Qing dynasty, ca. 1720-1740.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Clunas, Craig (ed.). Chinese Export Art and Design. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1987, p. 48, fig. 28.
Labels and date
Barber's bowl
Porcelain with decoration in overglaze enamels
Gentlemen playing a board game outdoors
About 1720-1740
Gulland Bequest [1987]
Materials
Porcelain
Techniques
Overglazing
Subjects depicted
Board games; Chrysanthemums; Vases; Books; Prunus blossoms; Men; Peonies
Categories
Porcelain; Ceramics; Household objects
Collection
East Asia Collection